Autumnfest to feature ‘battle of non-profits’

WOONSOCKET — Autumnfest is doing something new this year – a friendly competition between all local non-profit organizations.

In a nutshell, the organization that raises the most money for Autumnfest between now and Sept. 1 will be declared the “Autumnfest Non-Profit Winner.”

The top fundraising group will receive a trophy that will travel year to year to the winner’s location and placement within the Autumnfest Parade with a banner declaring them the winner.

“We are excited to announce this fundraising contest as a great way to build a partnership between Autumnfest and the many non-profit organizations in Woonsocket who have large networks of people that work and support the great work they do for our community,” said Garrett Mancieri, Autumnfest fundraising coordinator.

“We are looking forward to announcing this annual award to a non-profit group and give them the recognition as the top fundraiser in helping us bring Autumnfest to the people of Northern Rhode Island,” he said.

It will be up to each organization to come up with different creative ways to raise money. Plus, more than one fundraiser can be done up to the deadline. Checks should be presented to Autumnfest Fundraising Coordinator at their location and pictures will be taken and submitted to the local newspapers.

For more information on this new fundraiser, email fundraising@autumn- fest.org or call Mancieri at 401-6511519.

Autumnfest is a family-Friendly Celebration now entering its 39th year. Autumnfest is held Every Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 7, 8 and 9) at World War II Veterans Memorial Park off Social Street in Woonsocket.

For more information, visit www.autumnfest.org.

Ernest A. Brown file photo Mike Algere, left, and Dan Frazier, of AJ's Catering, were busy cooking up fresh Italian sausage grinders with onions and peppers for hungry customers in the food court at Woonsocket’s Autumnfest last year. This year, Autumnfest will feature a...